About

Vocalist John Dokes has stepped into the spotlight using his wryly smooth baritone to delight audiences weekly at Jazz Clubs throughout New York City. Singing a mixture of blues, ballads and jazz standards his unmistakable swinging delivery is entirely his own while harkening back to greats like Nat King Cole and Joe Williams.

John released his first project titled John Dokes Sings, George Gee Swings in 2010. This record paid tribute to Bird, Bacharat and Basie and features a rendition of Ornithology with his favorite duet partner Hilary Gardner. Their most recent duet of "Baby it's Cold Outside" provided the soundtrack on a national holiday commercial for Nautica.

John's second album Forever Reasons gets its name from his first published song. Dokes has said of his writing, "I write songs when I'm inspired, poetry when I'm angry and stories when the real characters in my life get way too interesting”. Featuring an all-star backing band and fantastic arrangements of some of your favorites along with some lesser heard gems, the new album will be available August 21, 2017.

John Dokes – Press Quotes

Then there’s the take on one of my favorite modern standards, Abbez’s Nature Boy. With John Dokes richly imbued baritone vocals, a guy who should be featured in movie musicals ‘cause his approach weds the Gatsby 1930’s to the 2000’s. 

. . . Dokes sets his after hours sights on being this generation’s standard bearer for classic jazz vocal. Already a known quantity for his work with George Gee’s orchestra, Dokes does this magnificent job of taking you back to the day without this being a set of manqué-ing around. Swinging and warm throughout, you will find yourself wondering who this is from back then when it finally hits you this is now. Note perfect throughout, this is a wonderful return to class and sophistication that just can’t be beat. Hot stuff.

— Chris Spector, Midwest Record

Dokes has no problem getting over with the uptempo workouts, but he’s even more impressive as a balladeer